Potential Value of Electroacupuncture in Alleviating COVID-19 by Stimulating Acupuncture Point

Abstract

To the Editor, We read with great interest an article in your journal about vagus nerve stimulation reducing levels of COVID-19 inflammatory factors (1.Boezaart AP Botha DA Treatment of stage 3 COVID-19 with transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation drastically reduces interleukin-6 blood levels: a report on two cases.Neuromodulation. 2021; 24: 166-167Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (14) Google Scholar). In the face of this sudden respiratory infectious disease, we continue to try a variety of drug interventions, but their clinical effects and side effects significantly affect the clinical treatment. Therefore, the exploration and trial of effective and less invasive interventions will greatly improve the clinical course of patients with COVID-19. Here, we would like to highlight the potential value of electroacupuncture in the treatment of COVID-19. As a classical therapy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), electroacupuncture plays a neuroelectrophysiological role by stimulating acupoints. Electroacupuncture is of low cost, reusable, has small side effects, and is widely used in the treatment of multiple diseases. Some scholars have used electroacupuncture to stimulate point Feishu (BL 13) on lung index to regulate inflammatory mediators so as to achieve a good effect of reducing viral pneumonia (2.Luo W Wang JY Liu CL Huang C Effect of electroacupuncture stimulation of "Feishu" (BL 13) on lung index, serum and lung IL-10 and TNF-alpha levels in mice with viral pneumonia.Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2014; 39: 293-297Google Scholar). In addition, studies have shown that electroacupuncture stimulation of Zusanli point can significantly reduce gastrointestinal symptoms caused by severe acute pancreatitis, such as relieving abdominal pain and abdominal distension (3.Li J Zhao Y Wen Q Xue Q Lv J Li N Electroacupuncture for severe acute pancreatitis accompanied with paralytic ileus: a randomized controlled trial.Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2016; 36: 1126-1130Google Scholar,4.Wang X Electroacupuncture for treatment of acute pancreatitis and its effect on the intestinal permeability of the patient.Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2007; 27: 421-423Google Scholar). Obviously, this evidence also provides a strong basis and reference for electroacupuncture to regulate the inflammatory response in the treatment of COVID-19. Although the exact mechanism of electroacupuncture treatment is still not fully elucidated, it has a remarkable potential value in regulating inflammation and treating inflammatory disorders. Current theories suggest that acupoints are somehow related to nerves. Therefore, in-depth exploration of the specific mechanism of electroacupuncture will be helpful to understand its function. Especially in the face of the sudden and continuing spread of COVID-19, a large number of controlled clinical studies are now needed to verify the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture in COVID-19. We also expect TCM to play a bigger role in the face of COVID-19. Conflict of Interest The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Xianqiang Yu completed the design and writing of the article and all the relevant content of the manuscript.